What to Serve with Jambalaya: 23 Best Side Dishes

Ahhhh… nothing like moist, golden brown cornbread coming out of the oven! Corn is a staple of southern cooking, so you’ll see a few corn dishes as you scroll.

This cornbread has a delicious, fluffy texture that’s not too sweet with perfectly crisp edges from baking in a cast iron skillet. A big slice will fit right in next to your jambalaya. Be sure to have plenty of butter!😉

Total time: 1 hour

Another southern classic that takes corn bread to a new level. Hush puppies are deep-fried to crunchy perfection on the outside and slightly sweet and fluffy inside. They’re a delicious snack and side dish to balance spicy jambalaya.

Total time: 20 minutes

Fluffy, buttery, cheesy cheddar biscuits are just the thing to scoop up a mouthful of delicious jambalaya! Cheddar cheese in the biscuits can tone down the heat of the creole seasoning in this spicy dish. Plus, you can make them ahead and freeze to have them on hand at a moment’s notice!

Total time: 20 minutes

When looking for what bread to serve with jambalaya, you can’t go wrong with buttery, cheesy garlic bread! Slathered in garlic butter, topped with plenty of parmesan cheese, and baked until the edges are a nice, dark golden brown. So easy!

Total time: 20 minutes

Another popular and flavorful dish in south Louisiana featuring corn, red bell pepper, onion and bacon. Corn maque choux (pronounced ‘mock shoe’) combines the sweet flavors of corn and bell peppers that cook in the salty bacon grease with a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. A perfect side dish for jambalaya!

Total time: 30 minutes

Quickly sautéed chard is a great option as a light side dish that’s packed with nutrients to balance the heartiness of jambalaya. It takes only about five minutes for the chard and garlic to cook in a little olive oil.

Then it’s seasoned with salt, black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for some crunch!

Total time: 10 minutes

Like swiss chard, these big leafy greens are a traditional southern dish that are nutrient-rich and a healthy side to round out your jambalaya meal. They’re prepared in the same way with a quick sauté and seasoning, and you can finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to add acidity and brightness.

Total time: 15 minutes

An easy recipe of tender braised green beans with a hint of spice balanced with a good splash of coconut milk that will complement your jambalaya deliciously. You need just four ingredients and takes just five minutes of your time to prep!

Total time: 30 minutes

This delicious medley of roasted green vegetables with Brussels sprouts, green beans, broccoli and asparagus is a great side that has something for everyone! An easy sheet pan recipe with a balsamic glaze that gives the caramelized veggies extra flavor. A bright and healthy side to balance the heaviness of jambalaya.

Total time: 35 minutes

These flavorful zucchini bites are an appetizing side dish with a mildly sweet taste and a little kick from cajun seasoning. A super quick and easy recipe made with bisquick mix and parmesan cheese requiring just one bowl, one spatula and one baking dish. A tasty side that goes well with a plate of jambalaya.

Total time: 45 minutes

Sweet corn is making another appearance here in the list for how easy it is to prepare and how it pairs so well with jambalaya. This recipe takes just minutes in a pot of boiling water.

And you can always grill corn on the cob for 15-20 minutes for a little extra smoky, charred flavor. Then simply season with salt and black pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for some kick!

Total time: 15 minutes

Okra is coated in buttermilk and seasoned cornmeal then deep-fried until perfectly golden brown. The buttermilk batter and cornmeal minimize the sliminess okra is known for when cut.

The result is super crisp outside and deliciously tender okra inside. Among popular cajun dishes you can serve as a starter or side with jambalaya.

Total time: 40 minutes

A light and bright classic summer salad bursting with refreshing flavors and texture to balance a heavy main course.

Simply slice cucumbers, tomatoes and onion with fresh dill and parsley, then toss in a red wine vinaigrette for one fresh salad. Add some Dijon to the dressing for a bit of tang and top with feta cheese for creaminess.

Total time: 10 minutes

Another good option when creating a menu around a hearty dish! A fresh salad of crisp greens adds nutrition and crunch and is completely customizable based on what you have in the fridge and pantry.

This citrus themed baby green salad showcases a variety of oranges, avocado and goat cheese coated in an orange honey vinaigrette. The salad’s crunchy, creamy, sweet n’ tangy flavors complement jambalaya perfectly!

Total time: 20 minutes

We’ll wrap up our corn side dishes with this lighter twist on Mexican Street Corn. Slightly charred corn tossed with red onion, peppers, grilled lime and cotija cheese but minus the cream is still full of sweet and smoky flavor. A delicious summery side for your jambalaya.

Total time: 30 minutes

Like the green salad above, a classic Caesar salad offers the fresh, crisp crunch of chopped romaine but with that irresistible, rich creamy dressing. Then topped with toasty croutons and nutty parmesan cheese makes this salad a true winner even for non-vegetable eaters! It’s the kind of salad that usually pleases everyone and terrific with jambalaya.

Total time: 25 minutes

If you’re looking to add creamy yet crunchy fare to your jambalaya meal, this cucumber salad is for you! Cucumbers and red onion are tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing with dill and garlic. Such a quick and easy side salad!

Total time: 15 minutes

Nothing like sweet, briny, buttery oysters to go along with a spicy jambalaya! I’m not a fan of raw oysters so grilling them and drizzling over a garlicky white wine butter sauce is the bomb. You can even add a dash of hot sauce or make a traditional New Orleans remoulade sauce!

Total time: 25 minutes

How about kicking off your jambalaya feast with a hot cheesy crab dip! It fits right in with creole/cajun fare. It’s loaded with jumbo lump crab and three cheeses and gets extra flavor from a jalapeno, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and hot pepper sauce. A great way to prime your taste buds for a kicked-up jambalaya!

Total time: 30 minutes

If you don’t already have crab in your jambalaya, serve these jumbo lump crab cakes as a side or a teaser to the main event. They’re full of luscious crabmeat, roasted red peppers, green onion, and fresh herbs with creole mustard as part of the binder. There’s minimal filler and huge in flavor!

Total time: 40 minutes

The French influence of savory crepes shows up here as it’s a popular dish in New Orleans and they go wonderfully with jambalaya. You can simply fill tender crepes with cheese and ham, or they can be filled different ways with countless meat, cheese and vegetable combinations.

Total time: 1 hour

Classic creole black beans are a perfect side dish to the mixture of meat, seafood and rice in jambalaya. They are another staple of southern cooking that get even better the next day. And this instant pot black bean recipe will have you digging in in no time!

Total time: 1 hour

A light and healthy fruit salad is a great way to wrap up a hearty meal or have on the side. This rainbow of fresh fruit blends berries, pineapple and kiwi with a citrusy, honey poppy seed dressing. These sweet and acidic flavors are a perfect contrast to a hearty, spicy jambalaya.

Total time: 25 minutes